“I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12 (RSV) Paul was in prison. His freedom had been confiscated, his ankles were shackled, and soldiers guarded him day and night. He was sore from the beatings as well as a recent shipwreck. He …
Category Archives: Devotion
Empty Nets Syndrome
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (NLT) They were weary, frustrated, and disappointed. Over and over, during the long hours of the night, they’d cast their nets into the Lake of Galilee without catching a …
WORDS NOT FORGOTTEN
Guest Post by Author Nancy Shelton Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their …
King of the Castle
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom… where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:32-34 Do you remember that little ditty, “I’m the king of the castle, and you’re the dirty rascal?” This little rhyme originated in 1651 when a Scottish …
Daddy’s Pet
Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character. Psalm 105:19 Joe was your average teenager, full of dreams and plans. His father spoiled him rotten, his colorful duds proof of his father’s wealth and favor. Joe worked in the family business, never straying far from home. His older brothers …
The Dog Ate My Homework
“But they all alike began to make excuses…” Luke 14:16-24 We’ve all made excuses at some point. Here are a few good one: “I have issues and Spiderman is coming over to solve them. Can’t go to school.” “I thought it was supposed to snow today, so I slept in.” “I can’t come to …
Misery in the Mire
I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:1-2 (NLT) Mires are low areas …
Gone Like the Morning Mist
Guest Post by Author Lauri Thompson “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.” Isaiah 44:22a (NIV). When we lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, my husband and I visited the Smoky Mountains often. Even when our goal was not to spend time in the mountains themselves, our …
That One Thing
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything …
Who Controls Your Mind?
Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 I have a hate/love relationship with social media. While it allows me to remain in contact with family and friends all over …